Geburtsnamen wiederannehmen

A change of name is a change of surname due to a change in marital status, e.g. declaration of a double name.

A change of name (name declaration) describes the process of changing the surname in connection with a change of civil status. Name changes can take place in the following cases, among others:

For children

• Naming by the mother with the consent of the non-custodial parent,
• Names given by the mother and her husband,
• New determination of the birth name after establishment of joint custody by the parents,
• declaration following a change of name by the parents or one of the parents,
• first determination of a birth name after the birth of the child abroad.

For spouses, civil partners, divorced or widowed persons

• Subsequent determination of a married name, for example after marriage abroad,
• Declaration of a double name (prefixing and adding a name to the married name) by a spouse,
• Revocation of the addition of a name to the married name,
• resumption of the former name after dissolution of the marriage.

Whether and in what form a name change (name declaration) is possible in each case must be clarified on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: Name changes (name declarations) are generally irrevocable.

As different documents have to be submitted in each case, it is recommended that you contact the responsible office in advance.

The fee for a name change is 30.00 euros.

• The name change becomes effective upon receipt by the competent registry office.
• If the name change is submitted to a registry office without jurisdiction, it only becomes effective when it has been received by the competent registrar (registry office of the marriage or place of birth).

To the municipal, local or city administration (registry office) of your place of residence.

The registry office will then forward the declaration to the relevant registry office:

• for spouses: to the registry office of the place of marriage,
• for children: to the registry office of the place of birth.